Hi again - I'm the beginner who was asking about the Janome HD1000. I'm still considering it but wanted to look at actual machines, so I went to the only independent sewing machine dealer in town. They had been a Bernina dealer but switched to Baby Lock because, according to them, the Bernina company was difficult (not the machines themselves). The owner showed me the BL30A Molly, which they're selling for about 40% off retail and within my budget, and it seemed to be really nice. They also had the BL20A Anna for even less, but the other one had a few more features that I would like to have.

I like the idea of buying from an independent dealer & a local business as opposed to the big chain which is the only other place to buy a machine in my area. They also offer free classes if you purchase from them & they have on-site technicians who service anything. I don't know anything about Baby Locks so I would appreciate any advice. To be honest, I'm starting to get confused with all the options & if the BL is a good choice, I might just go ahead.

Both are made by Janome for BabyLock. The Anna is the same as the Janome My Style 100. The Molly is the same as the Sewist 500. I like the Molly...it has a one-step buttonhole and the pressure of the presser foot can be adjusted to handle various weight fabrics. It reminds me very much of my first machine, a Kenmore made by NewHome/Janome. It has enough stitches to get you through just about any project.

Molly over Anna hands down. Molly vs Janome Hd1000 is more difficult and depends on what you'd use it for I guess. Supporting local business, free clases, local service are all good reasons to pay a little more and shop at a dealer

It is a nice machine. I have one. For a beginner, it is a good machine. A nice mechanical model that sews good. The BL Anna is a very simple machine. Too simple for most people. For a child it would be ok. The BL Molly is much better and has more stitches and is just a nicer machine. I looked at both and knew instantly I did not want the Anna. I do not think there is much difference in price, but as it has been over 2 years, I don't remember. I paid $285 at my dealer for Molly.

I bought the Anna for my daughter last year and I was quite impressed with that machine, and I'm a bernina owner. If you can get a good deal on the Molly I would definitely go for it! Keep in mind that the feet for bernina are very pricy. Babylock can use generic feet for much less.

I almost got the Molly for taking to my classes- fell in love. But my deaker was firm at $399 which I thought just too high. So I ordered the BL9 yesterday at $99. I figure I can give it to my grandson and get Molly if I'm still pulled to her. I think you will be happy with your choice.

Today I went to the big chain store & the only brands they carry are Husqvarna/Viking & Singer. The comparable machine was the Viking Emerald & it was over $100 more than the Molly I saw yesterday - and that was the sale price. Boy, does it pay to comparison-shop...

I also saw that Baby Lock does not sell online because they want only certified stores to sell their product & provide the education & service. That really impressed me. Now I'm convinced to return to the local shop & buy the Molly.

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